Dark's Pre Crisis

Arc2- Rebirth

Dark walked through the forest, feeling every inch of life surrounding him. The connection he had with nature and the elements flowed effortlessly into him, making him feel more alive than ever. It wasn't just a connection—it was a symphony of life and death intertwining within him. His heightened senses picked up on every sound, from the rustle of a leaf to the subtle shift of the wind, everything around him alive with energy. He could hear it all, a rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins as if nature itself was hyping him up.

A smile curled on his lips as he walked with his hands casually tucked into his pockets. There was nothing rushed about his steps, just a calm, steady pace as if he owned every inch of the ground beneath his feet. His eyes gleamed with energy, not in shock or fear, but in pure excitement. He felt powerful. He felt in control. Every part of him was alive with a heightened awareness.

As he approached Tier's house, his gaze lingered on the familiar sight for just a moment before he continued forward. Inside the house, Cron, Gilmuar, and Leona were on high alert. Tier's signal had detected someone approaching. Instantly, they grabbed their weapons, ready for a fight, their hearts pounding as they prepared for whatever threat was drawing near.

But when they saw him, everything stopped.

Their weapons slipped from their hands, clattering uselessly to the ground. Dark stood there, his smile widening at the sight of them. Leona's eyes filled with shock and disbelief, but then she rushed forward, closing the distance between them. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace.

Leona: Dark! You're... you're back!

Dark laughed, the sound warm and genuine as he hugged her back.

Dark: Yeah, I'm back. Zyke sent me. Said I had to cheat death just this once.

Cron stepped forward, his eyes scanning Dark as if trying to make sense of what he was seeing.

Cron: Zyke? The guy from the Death Empire? What the hell happened?

Dark pulled away from Leona, his smile never fading as he looked at his friends.

Dark: It's a long story. I ended up in the dead realm. Ran into Lozus there. You guys remember him, right?

Gilmuar's expression softened at the mention of Lozus. He nodded, a touch of sadness in his eyes.

Gilmuar: Yeah, I remember him. How... how is he?

Dark sighed, leaning back slightly as he recalled the conversation he had with Lozus.

Dark: He's... well, he's dead. I mean, what can I say? He told me what it's like being dead. Said it's not as bad as you'd think. It's... peaceful. But he was still the same Lozus, you know? Always joking, always trying to make light of the situation. He asked about all of you. Wanted to know how things were going here.

Leona's grip on Dark tightened slightly before she let go, stepping back to wipe a tear from her eye.

Leona: Lozus... I always wondered what happened to him after everything. I can't believe you saw him.

Cron frowned, looking between them, his confusion evident.

Cron: Lozus? Who's Lozus?

Tier turned to Cron, his voice quiet but firm.

Tier: Lozus was a student from the Academy. He... he was killed by Sukojo. Dark was there when it happened.

Dark nodded, his gaze distant for a moment as he remembered the event.

Dark: Yeah. Lozus... he didn't deserve what happened to him. But he's at peace now. He didn't hold any grudges. Just wanted to make sure we were all okay.